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Manawatu defeats Northlanders in third round of ITM Cup - Rugby NewsManawatu claimed their second victory in the ongoing ITM Cup as they defeated the Northlanders by 30-22 on July 23, at Palmerston North. The victory has put them on top of the tables with 11 points after three outgoings. Aaron Smith played a vital role in the Manawatu victory as it was their first triumph against Northlanders in the last 28 years. He contributed 15 individual points as the Manawatu players scored four tries in the match to clinch an important win in the event.The Manawatu side was a little rusty at the start of the game but managed well to bounce back in the second-half. Both sides struggled to find their rhythm in the match during the starting minutes of game play. The match was level at 15 each at the end of first-half after the lead kept on changing hands between both sides.The Northlanders started off the game in their typical style and took an early lead over the Manawatu squad. They were well in front of the hosts with a 10-3 just after 15 minutes in the match. The Manawatu team had a real tough time in the scrums and they were unable to handle most of them inside the first-half.Bryce Heem created a difficult opportunity to score the first try for his Northland side as Payne collected a bouncing ball with an extraordinary effort near the Manawatu goals. Lachie Munro helped with the follow up conversion kick in the next minute of the game. Cam Eyre was the man who elevated his side with a well executed try just couple of minutes to go in the first-half.The Manawatu players put a better effort in the second-half as Aaron Smith performed a remarkable display of brilliant kicks. He put his side a little ahead of the Northlanders with 23-22 with 15 minutes to go in the match. They finished the game with 30-22 to celebrate their first victory over the northlanders since 1983.
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